![Trainees from K44 in FOH Training Classes]()
Trainees from K44 in FOH Training Classes
This report provides a summary of progress and achievements of 37 trainees from KOTO Class 44 (K44) for the first five months of their studies (June 2024 to October 2024). The gratitude for this program is best expressed by one of K44 trainees when he shared with us: “In the past, I used to live only for myself. However, when I came to KOTO, I came to understand the spirit of unity better.” and “I’ve gained so much - things that I had never done or even known about before”.
1. KOTO Class 44 Theoretical and Practical Training Component
Since the commencement of their training in June 2024, the trainees from K44 have demonstrated remarkable dedication and enthusiasm in their studies and practical work at the restaurant.
1.1. Theoretical Training Component
During the period of funding, K44 front-of-house (FOH) trainees received training in a range of subjects including serving food and beverages and providing advice on food and drinks. “The class is capable of performing basic customer service processes and handling simple situations. However, given the short learning period, the trainees still need to practice more to become more proficient and professional. The class’s team spirit is quite good, they know how to help and care for each other”, shares K44’s FOH teacher.
K44 back-of-house (BOH) trainees learned the cookery techniques, mastering the preparation of dishes including appetizers, snacks and salads. “The class has good learning motivation and teamwork spirit. The trainees are eager to learn and get to earn more and more new knowledge”, shares K44’s BOH teacher.
To round out their studies, both FOH and BOH trainees also received training in workplace safety, including hygienic practices, proper use of equipment, and adherence to safe work protocols.
In the life skills classes which is part of the holistic training program, trainees learned about adaptation, self-awareness, self-motivation, teamwork and communication skills and many other topics related to managing their well-being and planning for their future.
The life skills program is one of the most important components to the personal and professional development of KOTO trainees. It benefits intended to reach well beyond the classroom and future workplace, as its key intended outcome is to build strong & productive individuals and communities. We were pleased to share the following statement from one of the K44 trainees: “I used to be quite short-tempered, easily losing my composure and getting angry at everyone. Since joining KOTO, I’ve become calmer and started approaching issues from others’ perspectives”. K44’s life skills teacher said that the class showed quite good learning spirit, class members enthusiastically participated in giving speeches and ideas, they all united to complete the assigned tasks well.
English Training
In addition to the vocational and life skills training, the trainees have also studied both General English and English for Hospitality. The curriculum focused on vocabulary related to food and beverage (F&B), menus, customer communication during F&B service, recipes, and providing clear instructions.
The trainees have really shown their interest and have made strong improvements which can be seen through their practical training sessions at the restaurants.
K44’s English teacher shares: “During English lessons, the class is very enthusiastic in participating in activities. Most of them are focused, eager to learn and try their best to practice. The individual learning spirit is strong but we still need to pay attention to collective development instead of just individual development”.
Computer literacy is also incorporated into the comprehensive training program. So far, the trainees have developed essential skills, including email writing and proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, equipping them with practical tools for their future careers.
"The trainees are enthusiastic, focused during class, obedient and conscious of doing their homework. Some trainees learn very quickly”, says K44’s Computer Skills teacher.
- Practical Training Component
One of the most valuable parts of KOTO’s training program is the opportunity that the trainees have to put the skills they learn in the classroom to the test. Under the guidance of the KOTO restaurant staff, most of whom are KOTO graduates themselves, their skills and teamwork flourish as they have real life experience in an active, commercial restaurant that caters to international tourists and the expatriate community in Hanoi. Over the past 5 months, the FOH trainees have practiced guest greeting and seating, table service, while BOH trainees have worked in the hot and cold section and bakery, acquiring specialized expertise in these areas.
The trainees have been gaining practical work experience at KOTO training restaurant, where they not only refined their technical skills but also learned the importance of teamwork, customer service, and professionalism in a real-world setting.
“Internship at KOTO training restaurant brings numerous benefits. I get to practice, learn through doing, and develop our professional skills. Since most of the restaurant’s customers are foreigners, I have plenty of opportunities to improve my English skills. It has also helped change my personality to some extent. I’ve become more cheerful and approachable with customers.”
1.2. Key Highlights and Events
During the funding period, several significant events and milestones marked the journey of KOTO Class 44 Trainees and focused both on their professional and personal development.
a. Professional Development:
KOTO provides various opportunities for the trainees to develop their professional skills which not only enhance their expertise but also bring joy and memorable learning experience.
- “Fermented: Umami Unleashed” Project - July 2024
On July 11th, 2024, a sharing session on fermentation exclusively for KOTO trainees was conducted as part of the "Fermented: Umami Unleashed" event series. During the event, the professionals shared insights into their culinary careers and deep-rooted fermentation passion. Participating in this event reignites inspiration in K44 and other KOTO trainees for the culinary heritage of their homeland. It serves as an endless source of motivation, propelling them towards developments in their culinary endeavors.
- Party Event at Almaz - September 2024
In addition to honing their skills at the KOTO training restaurant, trainees are also provided with valuable opportunities to practice their professional skills in five-star hotels. Notably, in September, K44 trainees supported a party event at Almaz, a renowned cuisine and convention center in Hanoi, gaining hands-on experience in party setup, guest service, and other essential hospitality operations.
b. Personal & Interpersonal Development:
In addition, KOTO organizes a range of meaningful activities to enhance trainees’ personal and interpersonal development. These activities play a crucial role in helping trainees build confidence, resilience, and foster meaningful relationships both within and beyond the classroom. By participating in such events, trainees gain the necessary skills to navigate diverse social environments, which are essential for their personal growth and future success in the workplace and the community.
- Reproductive Health Workshop - July 2024
In July 2024, a Reproductive Health Workshop was conducted for all K44 trainees by MSI, a leading organization in reproductive health training. During the session, trainees gained knowledge about contraceptive methods, reproductive infections, harassment prevention, and proper hygiene practices. “Useful and practical knowledge that helps me better understand reproductive health”, “The information is easy to understand and remember, allowing me to apply it immediately to improve myself and my life”, “This modern knowledge has given me deeper awareness of myself and other gender after the workshop".
- Drama Workshop - August 2024
The drama workshop series brought not only engaging creative activities with meaningful discussions and reflections, but also providing participants with a dynamic platform to develop both drama skills and personal growth. Utilizing an experiential learning approach through the arts, the workshops aim to help participants adapt to new environments, encouraging them to feel at ease and confident. Core goals include fostering leadership by inspiring participants to take initiative, cultivating a strong team spirit, and promoting the sharing of ideas, cultures, and experiences. Additionally, the workshops focus on building strong interpersonal bonds and equipping participants with conflict resolution skills, ensuring they can navigate challenges effectively while creating lasting connections. “Each of us has different unique circumstances, and thanks to the teacher's classes, I, along with my classmates, have learned to live with more purpose and to become better individuals. More importantly, it has helped us connect and bond more closely, allowing us to learn things I had never encountered before.”, shares one K44 trainee after the workshop.
- Dream Trip - September 2024
Every year, KOTO takes its newest trainees on a special 6-day trip named “Dream Trip”. This annual six-day journey takes our trainees to explore the world of hospitality industry as well as immerse in the beauty of Vietnam. This year marked KOTO’s 25th Dream Trip, organized for K44.
Trainees at KOTO come from various backgrounds of hardship and oftentimes have never had the opportunity to take a holiday or travel to different parts of the country and experience the service of 5-star hotels and restaurants as guests.
This year, K44 embarked on their Dream Trip to Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An. More than just a holiday, the trip was a transformative experience that fostered a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry, built confidence, and helped trainees discover more about themselves, shaping their career aspirations. Along the way, the trainees engaged in various team-building and communication activities, making the journey both educational and inspiring.
c. Recreation & Celebrations:
Besides activities and events that boost trainees’ professional, personal and interpersonal development, KOTO also organizes a variety of recreation and celebration activities for its trainees that offer both joy and relaxation. These experiences are vital to promoting trainees’ overall well-being and fostering a strong sense of community, demonstrating the KOTO family’s “We Are One” spirit.
- Graduation Ceremony & 25th Anniversary Event, Coming Home Dinner - June 2024
On June 15th, 2024, KOTO organized the 25th Anniversary & Graduation Ceremony for four classes with the main theme “En-Possible” which embodies the belief that with the support of the community as enablers, the impossible can become achievable. K44 trainees participated in this event and were inspired by the graduates.
In addition, K44 trainees were encouraged by many success stories of KOTO alumni in the Coming Home Dinner which is held annually for all alumni to reunite and share with each other about their career and life after graduating from KOTO.
- Football Match - September 2024
KOTO occasionally organizes football matches for trainees and staff at the sports facilities of our partners, fostering stronger connections while providing trainees with an opportunity to stay active and enjoy themselves. These activities offer much-needed relaxation, helping to enhance their focus and effectiveness in their studies.
2. Future Plan
All trainees from KOTO Class 44 will continue their training program at KOTO and will commence their internship in June 2025. Following the internship, they will return to KOTO to complete their final six months of study. By June 2026, these remarkable men will graduate from the program, receive job placement at one of KOTO’s hospitality partners and embark on their careers in the hospitality industry.
Afterwards, KOTO will continue to support these trainees by connecting them with the KOTO Alumni Community (KAC), helping them expand their networks and explore broader career opportunities.
![Trainees from K44 in BOH Training Classes]()
Trainees from K44 in BOH Training Classes
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